But First, Coffee.

I truly love a good latte, cappuccino, cortado, or simple espresso. There is something so comforting about warm milk and hot espresso (especially on a cold winter day). I have been in search of the perfect espresso in NYC. And, having come close many times, I think I have finally found it. While my research will most likely continue on throughout my time living in NYC, here is a short list of my favorite coffee spots.

1. Happy Bones NYC: This tiny coffee spot on Broome street offers the best coffee with some of the best baristas. The space is open and inviting and is decorated with local art and interesting publications from around the world (which are available to read/purchase). I love Happy Bones because it is the perfect place to enjoy my daily cortado. The quietness and quaintness allows for inspiration and relaxation; making those hectic NYC streets that much easier to enjoy once you step out the door. (P.S. The peanut butter cookie is absolutely mouth wateringly (is that a word?) delicious).
2. Gasoline Alley Coffee: Gasoline Alley Coffee has two different locations, one on Grand Street (at Lafayette) and the other on Lafayette (at Bleecker). I enjoy both spots equally. They serve Intelligentista's Black Cat Espresso and plenty of delicious local pastries (including Dough Donuts, cookies, Mast Brothers chocolate, and Granola Lab granola bars.
3. Lafayette Grand Cafe & Bakery:  This up and coming brunch spot is literally taking over the New York City as one of the most talked about restaurants. A mix between Balthazar and Laduree this french bistro offers an awesome brunch and, in my opinion, an even more delicious bakery. The bakery is located at the entrance of the restaurant. From croissants to colorful macaroons and even fresh squeezed green juices this little bakery seems to have it all. Their cortado is close to perfect and their peanut butter cookies definitely make the top of my list. 
4. Bluebird Coffee Shop
5. Bluestone Lane Coffee: their avocado smash with red pepper chili flakes (and feta and cherry tomatoes) is delicious! They use Sightglass coffee from California and they get their pastries from Balthazar.... what more could you ask for? 
6. Bowery Coffee
7. Ost Cafe
8. Oro
9. El Ray
10. Birch Coffee: the cutest little coffee shop. 
11. Blue Bottle Coffee
12. Stumptown 
13. Why Not Coffee and Wine: It's all about the ambiance at this unique West Village coffee shop. And the peanut butter cookie. 

Lafayette Grand Cafe & Bakery. Daily cortado and a peanut butter cookie. 

Happy Bones NYC. Daily Cortado and a peanut butter cookie. 

Happy Bones NYC.

Bluestone Lane Coffee Shop. Daily cortado. 

Gasoline Alley. Daily cortado. 

The Brooklyn Bridge

Where do I find my peace during those really hectic days in NYC? Being honest, it's usually during my morning or afternoon run when I can physically set myself apart from everything else that's going on in my life. My runs help clear my head and my legs take me far away from the troubles in my mind. What I love most about running (and walking too) is that I usually wind up in spots with the most breath taking views. Be it the Brooklyn Bridge or the West Side Highway, my eyes always manage to stumble on something that somehow ends up being more relaxing than the run itself.

Since I moved to NYC the Brooklyn Bridge has remained one of my favorite spots. As anyone who has ever walked across the bridge will tell you, the architecture is incredible and the views are spectacular. Whenever I need to relax I take a trip to the Brooklyn Bridge. Here are some of my favorite shots from my favorite spot.

Soho Street Art

The non-stop snow and freezing temperatures in New York City have managed to dull my spirits a bit. I am usually out and about, finding new things to do. But, lately all I want to do is stay inside (in bed under the covers) with a warm cup of coffee. I find myself dreaming of warmer weather (even 40 degrees would be nice). But when dreaming of sunny weather fails, I need a little inspiration.

This Sunday I put on my scarf, hat, and gloves and braved the icy weather for some coffee and a little good old fashioned NYC exploration with my friend Shannon. After a cortado and warm peanut butter cookie at Happy Bones coffee shop, Shannon and I took to the streets of Soho and Nolita in search of a little inspiration.

Here is what we found...

I find street art extremely fascinating. What was interesting was the more we walked, the more we found. It was everywhere. And, each piece of art was as intricate, if not more detailed, as the one before it. With different images and color palettes they each told a different story. Although it may be impossible to predict what the artist was really thinking it was fun to engage with their work.

Photocred to the incredible Shannon!

Dating My Boyfriend: New York City

After spending a summer abroad in Paris I was able to round up enough credits to graduate a semester early from NYU. I took a week or so off for pure relaxation after I graduated in December. But, once January came around I hit the ground running  searching for jobs. Unfortunately, the process hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be. I've sent out plenty of applications and have been on a few interviews but so far I haven't been too successful.

So, to keep busy, I have been spending some much needed time with my boyfriend: New York City. There is something about spending the day alone in New York City. You can go to any museum and fully immerse yourself in the exhibitions, get lost between streets in the West Village, or sit down and have a bite to eat solo at the bar of your favorite restaurant. All of this is exciting and rewarding at the same time. I relish in the thought of quality alone time and I look forward to the moments of pure peace of mind. And, in New York City it isn't scary to do big things on your own. The most satisfying thing about New York City is you can be completely alone and anonymous or you could be apart of something big. The thing is, you aren't really alone and I think that is somewhat comforting. There is always someone looking at that same painting, wandering the streets alongside you, or sitting a couple of stools down from you at the bar.

Here are a few snapshots from my day spent roaming around New York City. Cheers to this lovely day and many, many more.

Balthazar

One of the many great things about living in New York City is the outrageous dining scene; and it's only getting better. This past weekend my parents treated my sister and me to lunch at Balthazar. Balthazar is known for its exceptional design and classic French fare. Everything on the menu is absolutely delicious. Although, true to my nature I always end up ordering the same thing: chicken paillard. The chicken paillard comes with a mouth watering chicken jus and a frisée salad with roasted tomatoes and parmesan. It is filling but not too heavy and the chicken jus leaves you craving more (I may have licked my plate clean.) Other goodies include the omelet with fresh herbs, moules frites (the french fries are to die for), and the chicken club sandwich.

The atmosphere inside of the french styled bistro is exactly what we needed for a cold, sunless Saturday. The clinking of silverware and chiming of glasses definitely lifted my spirits a bit. Oh, and it is always fun to watch them cut up those huge, delicious loaves of bread.

Until we meet again Balthazar. Cheers! 

Soup, Salad, or Both?

So, I have a thing for soup and salad. Sometimes it's soup, sometimes it's salad, and sometimes it's both. When the days are colder I usually lean toward soup. I love experimenting with new flavors and spices. From split pea to black bean I will try any soup that is dairy free. For the days when I am souped out, I opt for a simple salad which usually consists of mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes (and if i'm lucky, a couple pieces of crunchy, spicy garlicky garlic bread).